Monday, November 15, 2010

Livin' in the Blurbs: Thankful For What We've Got

Thanksgiving's just a little over a week away and that means I'm making lists of favorite foods and favorite people, and trying to remember where the heck I put the gravy boat after last Thanksgiving. Our farmers' markets are gearing up for the big day, too, with several reopening for a final blowout, many featuring special products and vendors. Think turkeys, brussels sprouts, squash, patés, jams, greens, cheeses…close to everything you'll need for this most seasonal of feasts. Check out what's going on at a market near you by going to GoodStuffNW's complete list of Willamette Valley markets to find links, maps and locations. Here's what a few are doing:

Sat., Nov. 20, 8 am-1:30 pm:Beaverton Farmers' Market celebrates with a Harvest Market that not only has harvest-fresh foods for your table but holiday wreaths and garlands, gifts and stocking stuffers. SW Hall Blvd. between 3rd and 5th Sts., Beaverton.

Sat. Nov. 20, 10 am-2 pm:Oregon City Farmers' Market shows off its new Winter Market that will continue every other week through April and has everything you need for a picture-perfect Thanksgiving. 8th Street at Main in downtown Oregon City.

Tues., Nov. 23, 1-5 pm: Thanksgiving Reunion at Buckman Farmers' Market gives those of us who like to wait till the very last moment a shot at the freshest food, drink and trimmings. SE 20th and Salmon between Belmont and Hawthorne.

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Walk into any Portland Grand Central Bakery and Cafe this holiday season and you'll be bowled over by the colorful artwork from the women of the Zimbabwe Artists Project (ZAP) in Weya, Zimbabwe. Started as a cooperative effort by Lewis & Clark College sociology professor Dick Adams and the women of the village, 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the artwork goes to help the women afford food, clothing, school fees, medicine, seeds and fertilizer for their crops. Think of how good you'll feel each time you see it at your own home or one of your friend's (hint hint), knowing that it touched the life of someone halfway around the world. Isn't that what the holidays are all about?Details: Benefit Show and Sale of artwork of the women of the Zimbabwe Artists Project at Grand Central Bakery and Cafes. Sale continues Nov.-Dec. Locations here.

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And don't forget to celebrate World Toilet Day on Friday (Nov. 19). What sounds like the opening line of some gross poop joke is actually an opportunity to understand the importance of sanitation and raise awareness for the 2.6 billion people (nearly half of the world's population) who don't have access to toilets and proper sanitation. The statistics are shocking: diarrheal disease kills five times more children in the developing world than HIV/AIDS or malaria; it stunts growth and forces millions of adults and children to take weeks away from school and work, affecting their education and income, which hits both a country's economy and its citizens' chances of a better future. And that's no joke.Details: World Toilet Day, sponsored by the World Toilet Organization. Friday, Nov. 19. Donate here.